THE CARROLL COX SHOW

NEWS AND COMMENTARY

Refuse truck drivers say city officials are ignoring their safety by insisting they use seven new trash trucks that are too small to carry a full crew.   (see our earlier report.)   On Friday, July 15,  we received information that one of the trucks carrying a full three-man crew was pulled off its route because a crewmember's foot broke the truck's windshield.  Sources tell us the crewmember was riding with his feet against the window in order to fit in the cab.  As the driver applied the brakes, the crewmember's foot pushed against the windshield and broke it.  Reportedly, the crewmember also received injuries to his neck and back, and is now on industrial leave.      

We went to the Facilities Automotive Equipment Service Yard in Halawa and spoke with Mr. Robert Primiano, seeking permission to take pictures of the broken windshield.   Our request was denied because "it posed a safety risk" to both me and his staff.     We wonder, why are city officials worried about unsafe conditions if I take pictures, but ignored workers safety by placing them in such unsafe working conditions?    

Later we obtained a picture of the broken windshield, apparently taken by one of the crewmembers . 

While I was at the yard, Primiano confirmed the truck returned to the yard after its crew reported the broken windshield.  But, he would not say what caused  the break because it was still under investigation.   Primiano also told us the truck was on a trial run to check its computer and other functions.  Since the windshield was broken before the three-man crew could load any trash into the truck, not much was checked.

Note:   Several weeks ago we reported  the new  trucks were sitting idle at the baseyard because the workers felt the trucks were unsafe.   As we reported, their concerns arose out of fear the truck's cab was too small to safely transport a three-man crew.  Workers told us at least one of the crewmembers would have to ride in an unsafe position with their feet against the windshield, possibly causing the windshield to break.  Apparently, their fear became a reality during the trial run.   We also reported  the city  spent $1.9 million for the trucks.  They even sent city workers, and their wives, to Minnesota to inspect the trucks before taking delivery.    But, according to recovered emails, they were mostly concerned about hotels close to the Mall of America and access to sporting events.

Ultimately, the taxpayers will be left with this trash truck problem.  We hope this matter is cleared up before one of the workers, or others, lose life or limbs.